The game is more fun when shared with those who echo your enthusiasm. That’s one reason so many
Ohio State football fans prefer sitting in the ’Shoe with 105,000 fellow Buckeyes instead of
watching the game at home on television. And that (along with warm, bowl-city weather) is why
hundreds of fans will follow the team to its big game in a few weeks.

That’s also why I’d urge those who are going to the game to consider a bowl package trip offered
by one of Columbus’ many travel professionals.

As a frequent traveler, I understand the importance and value of professional travel agents and
planners, but I also understand the allure of do-it-yourself travel planning.

Travelers who possess a bit of Internet savvy might find it simple to search sites such as
Travelocity, Kayak and Priceline to find and compare hotels, airline tickets, rental cars and other
travel necessities.

I also understand why some travelers — those who prefer the “road less traveled,” if you will —
prefer to avoid packaged and highly structured group tours.

Trust me, though: A bowl trip is probably not the time to go it alone.

Just as the big game is usually better when shared with other fans, so, too is bowl-game
travel.

Many Columbus travel agents and planners will offer game packages. Depending on the package,
large groups of Buckeye fans might be flying on the same charter flight, staying in the same hotel,
sitting in the same section of the stadium and sharing special get-togethers, parties and
excursions.

Fans who buy a game package from a travel professional also need not be concerned about sold-out
flights or hotels.

And they probably won’t have to fret about the many other details that can complicate a major
sporting event in an unfamiliar city: procuring a genuine game ticket, booking a shuttle from the
hotel to the stadium or finding like-minded fans to celebrate with before and after the game.

Although I’ll be traveling to the bowl destination this week for an upcoming travel preview, I
can’t attend the game. But I will watch OSU’s final game of the season on television, envying those
members of Buckeye Nation there at the game as they set the earth reverberating with a mighty cheer
— together.

“O-H . . .!”

Steve Stephens is the travel writer. He can be reached at 614-461-5201 or by email.